Tag: NATHAN GORMAN

Nathan
Gorman will defend his WBC International Silver heavyweight title
against former World Title challenger Alex Leapai on the bumper Josh
Warrington-Carl Frampton card at the Manchester Arena on December 22.

The unbeaten Gorman is causing quite a stir in heavyweight circles, with
the Ricky Hatton-trained 22-year-old having now clocked up 14 fights,
with 11 wins coming via stoppage.

The Nantwich-born former Team GB member won his WBC belt in late 2017
when he took on the also then unbeaten Mohamed Soltby at the Metro Radio
Arena in Newcastle, stopping the German after five bruising rounds.

He has since kept busy with three fights already across 2018, with the
pick of the wins coming against the rated Irishman, Sean ‘Big Sexy’
Turner at the Manchester Arena, where he turned up the heat and ended
the resistance of Turner inside of three rounds.

Gorman appears to be on a longer-term collision course with UK rival
Daniel Dubois, but his next opponent hails from the Southern Hemisphere,
with Leapai based in Queensland, Australia but originally from Samoa.

The 39-year-old holds a record of 32-7-4 across a career spanning 18
years. His professional exploits earned him a shot at the unified world
titles in 2014, taking on the long-term champion Wladimir Klitschko in
Oberhausen, but his world title adventure was aborted in the fifth round
against the then dominant Ukrainian.

He subsequently demonstrated his durability the full ten rounds against
Malik Scott and Manuel Charr before getting back amongst the wins over
2017-18 with victories in his homeland over Thomas Peato and Roger
Izonritei.

Gorman believes he will have to be on top of his game to see off the challenge of such a seasoned opponent.

“Obviously he is a very experienced opponent who has fought for world
titles. He is a dangerous opponent, but also a good one for me, if that
makes sense.

“He will be a good name on my record if I beat him and beat him in
style, which I believe I can do. I will have to be on my As and Bs
because he is a dangerous fella with such experience. Some people say
heavyweights are in their prime when they reach their late thirties.”

Gorman added that, while his own objectives will always remain first and
foremost in his thinking, securing a slot on such a massive BT Box
Office card is a big attraction.

“Definitely, it is a very big bill to be a part of and obviously I have
got a good fight against Alex Leapai that has got me on the show.”

Leapai himself firmly believes Gorman is jumping the gun by signing up
for such a test at this stage of his career, considering this country’s
bright young heavies to be over-hyped and untested at a higher level.

“A lot of these British heavyweights are over-hyped without really
beating anyone,” said the confident Aussie. “I’m coming over to burst
the bubble of the latest hype job.

“I’ve had more knockouts than Nathan has had fights. This is way too soon for Nathan.”

IBF world featherweight champion Josh Warrington takes on
former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton at the Manchester Arena
on December 22nd live on BT Sport Box Office. Mark Heffron and Liam
Williams contest the vacant British middleweight title and Belfast’s blue chip featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (9-0) takes on former commonwealth champion Jason Cunningham (24-5).

The following are the weights and the running order for the Brentwood Centre on Saturday night. The show is live on BT Sport 3 from 7:30pm, then crosses over to BT Sport 1 at 8.45pm. Remaining tickets are available to purchase on the door.

Debut making middleweight Caoimhin Agyarko firmly believes he has made the right decision in removing himself from the home comforts of Belfast and swapping it for the leafy environs of Bromley in order to properly kickstart his professional career, which gets underway at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday.

The 21-year-old – who was born in Croydon and is currently residing with family in South Norwood – learned his craft at the Holy Trinity Boxing Club in his home city, but is now being tutored in the professional arts by respected trainer Alan Smith at the thriving iBox Gym in the former Kentish town.

“My plan was always to move away from Belfast once I turned professional, or was seeking to turn pro,” explained Caoimhin, which is pronounced Kee-van . “I think over here there is more sparring, coaching and stuff, so I wanted to get away and get a better opportunity than I would just staying in Belfast.

“I will still be living in Belfast though because I will just be based in Bromley for camps,” he added, before agreeing that working away from home at such a tender age will only increase his mental resolve.

“That is it because nothing in life comes easy and, if you want to do great things, you have to take yourself out of your comfort zone. I always knew from a young age that I would want to get away to make sure there would be no distractions, not that there would be.

“I think taking myself away to London for camps for six to eight weeks at a time will test me mentally and I will be able to focus better and put in the work more than I would back home.

“I do have family here – cousins and my dad – so it is not as hard as people imagine for me.”

It was a guest appearance for the World Series Boxing team, Italia Thunder, that propelled Caoimhin towards taking the professional plunge. Even though the Italians lost the tie 3-2, a fourth round stoppage of Hong Sik Kee Clement set tongues wagging and the Belfast boy ended his amateur tenure in style.

“I had roughly 130-140 amateur fights including all my internationals. To me, my amateur time was not unbelievable, but I had a good amateur career. I won six national titles, including a senior title, which is like winning the ABAs. I won the Ulster Seniors when I was 17 and I have boxed for Ireland 30-40 times, going to the worlds and Europeans.

“My last amateur bout was for the Italia Thunder in the WSB, where I had an unbelievable fight and put on a good performance. I think that fight got me the recognition that I needed.

“I’ve been kept busy for being only 21 and I had a great amateur experience, fighting all over the world and testing myself at elite level.”

Caoimhin suggested that he will bring a bit of everything to the professional ranks and insists that he is much more than just a big punch.

“A lot of people think because I am small and stocky and look big, that I am just a big puncher. It is not the case, I’ve a great boxing brain, I think, and I am good with my footwork and being able to adapt in fights.

“It just depends, everyone has their own style and I would say I am an aggressive counter puncher. I go forward and back and it just depends who my opponent is on the night.

“I have fast hands and I have power. I have a bit of everything and that is why coming to Al was such an easy decision for me because he is such a good coach and I wanted someone who can improve me.

“I know how good I am or how good I can be, but obviously you can always improve and that is what I am looking to do.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature along with IBF European Middleweight Champion Joe Mullender on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Remaining tickets are available at the Brentwood Centre box office or via calling the Queensberry Promotions Box Office on 01992845710.

ANTHONY YARDE headlines the bill at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday when he defends his WBO Intercontinental Light-Heavyweight title against Argentina’s Walter Gabriel Sequeira.

Wembley traveller Gary Corcoran and Peckham’s Johnny Garton contest the vacant British welterweight title on another top Frank Warren card, live on BT Sport.

Two of Britain’s top super-middleweight prospects Umar Sadiq and Zak Chelli meet over eight rounds. Chelli won a toss of the coin to be in the home corner.

Unbeaten heavyweight prospect Nathan Gorman is also in action.

Here are a selection of quotes from yesterday’s press conference.

FRANK WARREN

“This is part of Anthony’s education moving forward. I am told by his management that Walter fancies the job.

Regarding Frank Buglioni, we offered over £100,000 and he did not want to know. This is about Anthony moving up the rankings.

Johnny Garton and Gary Corcoran are two tremendous competitors and it will be something special. What you see is what you get and it will be a good fight.

Zak and Umar is a pick ‘em and both called for it. Whoever wins will go on quickly and it will not be the end for the loser.

It is tough matching Nathan up. He is one of the most underestimated boxers in Britain and one of the most improved.

The job Ricky Hatton has done is amazing.

If he keeps moving forward, we will see some fight between him and Daniel Dubois next year.

ANTHONY YARDE

I could fight for a world title and win it, but it is about getting to that stage and staying there. I had 12 amateur fights and just 16 professional fights so I am inexperienced.

I want ten years in boxing and I have been professional for three years, so with seven years left there is no rush.

My talent has to be improved in all areas. Boxing is not a sport where you can be at a low level at all.

I’m confident and when you have power like me, it relaxes your nerves.

People complain about my opponents, but Walter is ranked above every other British rival apart from Callum Johnson.

The Joshua Buatsi fight can build. If he is as confident as I am, it is a big event down the line.

WALTER GABRIEL SEQUEIRA

Anthony is a very good boxer, but I am well prepared and cancelled a fight in September to take this.

Anthony has few weaknesses, but I have got a surprise in store on Saturday.

I always face bigger men and this will not be a problem. I have experienced this.

GARY CORCORAN

I have boxed at a way higher level and I am confident of winning. I have better experience and beaten better boys, but I have to show it on the night.

I can either outbox him or have a fight. It is up to me what happens on the night. Either way I beat him.

JOHNNY GARTON

It has been a long road to become mandatory and earn my shot. I have been on small halls fighting 50-50 fights and when I have had to step up, I have won.

I didn’t think I’d make it as a pro and thought I might get to Southern Area level.

Gary is a great fighter. He is very tough and I like him, but that goes out of the window.

We are going to meet head on. To win the British title it would mean the world to me.

ZAK CHELLI

“Umar is basic and simple and like an amateur. His prime was 26 and he is now 30. He just acts like a kid.

UMAR SADIQ

I learned a lot as an amateur and boxed in Olympic Qualifiers, what did he do as an amateur?

I respect every man who will get in the ring. I see videos of him knocking grown men over, but I fail to see what he can do to me.

I am going to outbox him – simple as that.

NATHAN GORMAN

Each round I keep on learning, but winning is the main thing.

I have been sparring Hughie Fury and that is the next best thing to fighting.

Daniel Dubois did what he had to do against Kevin Johnson and got the ten rounds, but there was no offence from Johnson.

Daniel is good at the basics. I am good at the opposite and I am wrong for him. I beat him easily.

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature along with IBF European Middleweight Champion Joe Mullender on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Remaining tickets are available at the Brentwood Centre box office or via calling the Queensberry Promotions Box Office on 01992845710.

DANIEL DUBOIS insists the time is getting closer for a showdown with arch domestic rival, Nathan Gorman.

A mouthwatering clash between two of the best heavyweight prospects in the world is one to look forward to.

Gorman’s trainer Ricky Hatton revealed earlier this week that his man is desperate to face his former sparring partner and GB amateur team-mate.

Dubois who has won all nine professional fights, eight by KO, is also keen adding: “Me and Gorman is a good a fight and I want to have that fight when the time is right.

“A few fights down the line we can have that fight, definitely. It sounds a great fight.

“I haven’t been keeping up with what he is saying about us fighting, but it seems the case is that he is talking it up.”

Hatton hoped that Dubois would be ringside at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday (October 20) to see unbeaten Gorman bid for his 14th consecutive professional win.

Instead Dubois will be tuned into BT Sport watching his biggest rival, right now.

The Londoner who is back in the gym on Monday following his win over Kevin Johnson earlier this month said: “I am having some time off just chilling at home.

“I will watch Gorman’s fight at home on Saturday night.”

Dubois was taken the distance for the first time in his career by former world title challenger Johnson in a great learning fight in Leicester against the American survivor.

“I was prepared for ten rounds and that is in the bank. It is another box ticked,” said 21-year-old Dubois

“I have done it. It is gruelling doing ten rounds and now we move on.

“I have just got to improve. There are things to work on when I go back in the gym and I also have to work on strategy.

“The biggest thing I learnt from the Johnson was that I have to stay focused for the whole round and be prepared for anything. He gave me a good workout.

“I could have been more focused and on it, but I never really switched off.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature along with IBF European Middleweight Champion Joe Mullender on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Remaining tickets are available at the Brentwood Centre box office or via calling the Queensberry Promotions Box Office on 01992845710.

BRADLEY SKEETE IS quite prepared to entertain the prospect of sharing a ring with Gary Corcoran, but only if the stakes significantly increase.

Corcoran takes on Skeete stablemate Johnny Garton with the vacant British welterweight title on the line this Saturday at the Brentwood centre and the Penge man naturally hopes his friend emerges triumphant.

The Wembley marauder Corcoran has publically stated that he is seeking to complete a win-double over the Ibox Gym in Bromley by wishing to take out both Garton and Skeete.

However, should Corcoran leave with the treasured belt, Skeete insists he has no interest in going over old ground again at British title level, but would be interested with a bigger prize on the line.

“If it turns out to be Gary who succeeds me as British champion people have asked me if I would want to put it right on behalf of the gym?” revealed the 27-2 Skeete who returns to the ring at Brentwood after an unsuccessful tilt at the European title in April against Kerman Lejarraga. “Listen, I have got no problem with Gary – even though in interviews we have said a few things – and I don’t think he has got a problem with me.

“He is doing his thing and I am doing mine. We are in the same weight and a strong division, but I feel myself and Gary deserve to fight for a bigger title and bigger money than would be on offer for a domestic belt.

“I am sure, if he was to beat Johnny and I win a bigger belt, it can happen down the line and I am all up for the fight. It would be a great fight but I have no interest in fighting Gary for a domestic title. None whatsoever.

“It has got to be a meaningful belt, it will be my 30th fight on Saturday and I am at the business end of my career now. I want to secure my future with big fights and big money.”

Meanwhile, Skeete reflected that the wrench of dropping the British title that he won outright following three successful defences was eased by the fact he was clearing the path for his training partner Garton to realise his dream of fighting for the belt.

“My friend and stablemate Johnny Garton fights for my old British title on Saturday against Gary Corcoran and I think it is a really, really good fight.

“It made it so much easier vacating the belt knowing Johnny was next in line and I think it is a fight that everybody is talking about, a great domestic fight. I am looking forward to it.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature along with IBF European Middleweight Champion Joe Mullender on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Remaining tickets are available at the Brentwood Centre box office or via calling the Queensberry Promotions Box Office on 01992845710.

RICKY HATTON has revealed that heavyweight hope Nathan Gorman is nagging him for a showdown with bitter rival Daniel Dubois.

Both men are promoted by Frank Warren and a clash between two of the divisions biggest prospects looks certain for the future.

Promoter Warren will be keen to match them inside 18 months and Hatton is also patient, but Gorman is on his trainer’s case pleading for the contest.

They sparred during their amateur days on the GB squad and British ring great Hatton revealed: “Nathan must hound me every week about fighting Daniel Dubois.

“He says he has sparred with him when they were on the GB squad and Nathan words, not mine are that he has ‘never lost a round to him.’

“He is itching for that, but I tell him he has got to give it time.

“We’re heading in the right direction with Frank. I have told Nathan don’t worry about Daniel – just concentrate on yourself, keep improving and adding to your fan base.

“He is a lovely kid, not arrogant. He just has confident in his own ability to what he can do if he gets the chance to fight Dubois.”

Gorman (13-0) is in action on Warren’s card at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday (Oct 20th) and hopes Dubois who lives nearby in London’s East End will be ringside.

Hatton added: “Believe you me he can’t wait to go to Brentwood which you could call Daniel’s back yard and put a show on.

“When Nathan and I fancy the fight it is not being disrespectful to Daniel. I don’t BS, tell tales or feel the need to publicise my fighter.

“Daniel showed a lot of improvement against Kevin Johnson – a good punch volume and stamina, but I’d be surprised if Johnson threw 50 punches in the fight and that is no exaggeration.

“You have to pat Daniel on the back and he showed improvement, but we’re up for the fight and it is now in the hands of Frank.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature along with IBF European Middleweight Champion Joe Mullender on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Remaining tickets are available at the Brentwood Centre box office or via calling the Queensberry Promotions Box Office on 01992845710.

The pair come together in combat on Saturday at the Brentwood Centre – live on BT Sport – with the British welterweight title at stake.

The 31-year-old from Peckham – known as ‘The Pexican’ – insists there is no animosity on his part heading into the clash against ‘The Hellraiser’ from Wembley and actually places on record his admiration for the world title challenger, who was stopped in 11 by Jeff Horn in Brisbane last December.

It is a no quarter asked or likely to be given sort of fight and, the thinking in training circles is, whoever listens most to the wise words in the corner is expected to have the edge.

However, Garton – who expects to be roared on by some 250 Pexicans – fully anticipates himself and Corcoran reverting to type before too long.

“My trainer has said that the one of me and Gary who listens most in the corner will win and I do believe Al (Smith) is right there,” considered the IBF European champion. “But this is going one way and me and Gary both know that no matter how technical we try and be, at some point in this fight we are going to stand in the middle and go at it.

“And I am more than happy to do that!

“Gary likes to come out fast and I am prepared for whatever, all I’ve worked for is a tough night and a tough 12 rounds. Gary is also super-fit and that is one thing we know for sure about him. He is also very strong and game, so we know we are going to do it tough.

“I’d say Gary will be the favourite in this fight and I think he deserves to be. He had a better amateur career, he’s boxed at a higher level than I have as a pro and he has boxed better names.

“I like Gary and I have no problems with him. At the end of the day he is just who I’ve got to fight and he is my type of fighter. He will fight anyone, he’s game and he comes forward. That is what I like in people.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature along with IBF European Middleweight Champion Joe Mullender on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Remaining tickets are available at the Brentwood Centre box office or via calling the Queensberry Promotions Box Office on 01992845710.

The 22-year-old might not be built like an Adonis, but he and Frank Warren stablemate Daniel Dubois are both winning plaudits and on a collision course to face each other.

British boxing great Hatton said: “Nathan’s power is developing because he’s maturing and more suited to the type of training we do.

“We have him doing a bit of strength work and we’re trying to slim him down a little bit.

“He is never going to be a body beautiful because some people aren’t built that way. We can’t all be built like Anthony Joshua or Daniel Dubois.

“But he is solid enough, Making him a little bit leaner and explosive will give him advantages. That is the theory behind that.

“He is also improving technically and punching with his whole body now. When he first came he was still a little bit of a rookie and arm punching.

“He is punching nastily and along with his speed and boxing ability which he is known for he is coming into his own.”

The Nantwich boxer has fought twice so far this year, and in June impressively beat good Irishman Sean Turner.

Hatton hopes that promoter Warren will find a spot for his protege on the Josh Warrington v Carl Frampton world title undercard in Manchester on December 22.

“Nathan had his career best win against Sean Turner, but we’re looking to move on from that and impress further,” added former two-weight world champion Hatton.

“He is still only a baby, but in his last fights showed what he is capable of and all about. He hasn’t even scraped the surface for what is to come.

“It looks like we’re having two fights before the end of the year and that will cap a lovely 2018 for us.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and ‘The Pexican’ Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Tickets are priced at £40, £100, £150 and are available to purchase from Ticketmaster.

ANTHONY YARDE insists that boxing will always be his first priority after signing a global deal with Adidas.

The unbeaten Ilford knockout artist has become a Global Brand Ambassador for the sportswear giants, but knows ring business must come first.

Yarde (16-0) hopes to mark the landmark deal with his 16th KO in 17 fights when he defends his WBO Inter-Continental Light-Heavyweight crown against Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira (21-4) at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday October 20th.

Yarde said: “Boxing will always come first and never be overlooked.

“The Adidas deal is a good thing, but I have got my excitement for it out of the way even though it has just been announced.

“My only focus is winning on October 20th and delivering a spectacular performance – maybe an early knockout.

“I’ve just got to keep doing my job in the ring and everything else will fall into place. When you believe in something and work towards it anything can be achieved.”

Yarde’s Manager and trainer Tunde Ajayi brokered the Adidas arrangement through his company Stamina For Sale Ltd.

He said: “The last boxer to get an Adidas deal on this type of level was Prince Naseem Hamed and his arrangement wasn’t global.

“It shows the attention that Anthony is getting from boxing and mainstream sports fans.

“Adidas recognise his potential and the star quality he holds at this embryonic stage of his career.”

Yarde, 27, added: “It is a massive achievement and just the next step towards where I’m going in life. It can sky rocket what Tunde and myself are doing.

“The deal that we’ve done is me representing Adidas on a global scale so that makes it so much bigger.”

Anthony Yarde will be headlining the Brentwood Centre on October 20th when he faces Argentinian Walter Gabriel Sequeira. World title challenger Gary Corcoran and ‘The Pexican’ Johnny Garton will contest the vacant British welterweight title. Zak Chelli and Umar Sadiq will both be putting their young, undefeated records on the line in a super-middleweight contest. Heavyweight Nathan Gorman will also feature on the show televised live on BT Sport.

Tickets are priced at £40, £100, £150 and are available to purchase from Ticketmaster.